Padma Vibhushan Dr. R A Mashelkar

Distinguished Scientist

Dr. Raghunath Anant Mashelkar, widely regarded as one of India's most distinguished scientists, has left an indelible mark on the fields of science, engineering, and innovation throughout his illustrious career. Born on January 1, 1943, in Pune, India, Dr. Mashelkar has become a celebrated figure in the global scientific community.

Dr. Mashelkar's career is punctuated by numerous accomplishments and contributions that have significantly advanced science and technology. He has made groundbreaking contributions to the field of polymer science and engineering, particularly in the areas of rheology and viscoelasticity, which have important applications in industry and materials science. His work has not only expanded our fundamental understanding but has also led to practical advancements in manufacturing processes.

One of Dr. Mashelkar's most notable accomplishments is his role in shaping India's science and technology policies. He served as the Director General of the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) from 1995 to 2006, where he played a pivotal role in transforming CSIR into a dynamic and innovation-driven organization. His leadership led to numerous patents and innovations that have had a profound impact on various industries. He was a member of the Scientific Advisory Council to the Prime Minister and also of the Scientific Advisory Committee to the Cabinet set up by successive governments. Still deeply connected with the innovation movement in India, Dr. Mashelkar was the founder Chairman of India's National Innovation Foundation. He is Chairman of the Reliance Innovation Council, Marico Innovation Foundation and Thermax Innovation Council. He pioneered and spread the message of 'Gandhian Engineering', 'More from Less for More people' and 'Affordable Excellence'. He has been tirelessly propagating a culture of innovation and balanced intellectual property rights regime in India for over a decade.

Dr. Mashelkar's contributions have not gone unnoticed, as evidenced by the numerous awards and honors he has received. The President of India honoured Dr. Mashelkar with Padma Vibhushan (2014), Padmabhushan (2000) and Padmashri (1991), three of the highest civilian honours, in recognition of his contribution to nation building. Additionally, he has received international acclaim, including the J.R.D. Tata Corporate Leadership Award and the G.H.A. Clowes Memorial Award.

Convocation Schedule

(6.30 pm onwards - Duration 90 Minutes)

Convocation Procession enters the plaza

Declaring the Convocation open by the President

Invocation (Lamp lighting and prayer)

Welcome by the Vice Chancellor

Address by the President

Conferring of Degrees

Award of Medals

Convocation Address by the Chief Guest

Vote of thanks by Vice Chancellor

Closing of the Convocation by the President

National Anthem

Return of the Convocation Procession

Padma Vibhushan

Dr. Montek Singh Ahluwalia

Eminent Economist

Dr. Montek Singh Ahluwalia was the Deputy Chairman of the Indian Planning Commission, with the rank of Cabinet Minister, from July 2004 to May 2014. Dr. Ahluwalia started his career at the World Bank in 1968 as a Young Professional. He left the World Bank in 1979 to join the Government of India in 1979 as Economic Adviser in the Ministry of Finance. From 1979 to 2001, he served in the Government of India in several positions – Special Secretary to the Prime Minister, Commerce Secretary, Secretary in the Department of Economic Affairs, Finance Secretary in the Ministry of Finance, Member of the Planning Commission and Member of the Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister.

In 2001, Dr. Ahluwalia was appointed the First Director of the newly created Independent Evaluation Office of the International Monetary Fund. He resigned from that position in June 2004, to take up the position of Deputy Chairman, Planning Commission .

Dr. Ahluwalia earned his B.A. (Hons) degree from Delhi University. He went to Oxford University as a Rhodes Scholar and earned an M.A. and an M. Phil degrees in Economics from Oxford University. He was awarded an Honorary D. Phil by Oxford University in 2008. He published a highly acclaimed book “Backstage: The Story Behind India’s High Growth Years” published in 2020, besides a co-authored book entitled, “Redistribution with Growth: An Approach to Policy” published in 1975. He also wrote “Reforming the Global Financial Architecture”, which was published in 2004 as economic Paper No. 41 by the Common Wealth Secretariat, London. He has also published numerous papers in professional journals and contributions to books.

He was awarded the prestigious “Padma Vibhushan”, India’s second highest civilian honour, by the President of India in 2011 for his outstanding contribution to economic policy and public service.

Dr. Ahluwalia is an Honorary Fellow of Magdalen College, Oxford. He is also a member of the Governing Council of the Global Green Growth Institute based in South Korea. He is a member of the Alpbach – Laxenberg Group established by the International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis, and the Alpbach Economic Forum. He is a Distinguished Practitioner at the Blavatnik School at Oxford University. He was a Distinguished Visiting Professor at the Stern School of Business, New York University in 2015. He is currently on the Board of the Public Health Foundation of India.